Gut morphology and blood biochemical parameters of growing pigs fed diets with a partial to total replacement of soybean meal with Arthrospira platensis

TL;DR

This study shows that replacing soybean meal with Arthrospira platensis in pig diets does not harm gut health or blood biochemistry, making it a sustainable protein option.

Contribution

Demonstrates the nutritional viability of Arthrospira platensis as a complete soybean meal replacement in pig diets without adverse effects.

Findings

Replacing soybean meal with Arthrospira platensis did not alter liver or kidney-related blood parameters in pigs.

Intestinal architecture remained stable, with no significant negative effects on gut morphology.

Despite no observed anti-inflammatory effects, Arthrospira platensis is a safe and sustainable protein source for swine.

Abstract

Soybean meal is the primary protein source in pig diets, but its production has been associated with deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Arthrospira platensis (AP), a protein-rich cyanobacterium with a favorable amino acid profile, might represent a sustainable alternative. This study aimed to assess the impact of partial to full replacement of soybean meal with AP on gut morphology and blood biochemical parameters in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 88 barrows and gilts were assigned to one of the four isoenergetic, isoproteic, and isoaminoacidic diets: a control diet (100% soybean meal as a protein source) and experimental diets in which 33, 66%, or 100% of soybean meal were replaced with AP. Individual blood samples were collected at the start of the trial (91 days), and prior to slaughter (238 days), when pigs’ body weight averaged 41 ± 3 kg and 175 ± 6 kg, respectively. Ileum and colon tissues were sampled at the slaughterhouse for histological analysis and evaluation of gut morphology. Across dietary treatments, biochemical profiling indicated metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory stability, with no alterations in liver or kidney-related parameters. Consistently, histological evaluation indicated that intestinal architecture was preserved across all the dietary treatments, even though ileal villus width and crypt depth tended to increase linearly with higher dietary inclusion of AP, and a similar trend was observed for ileal inflammation score. Despite reports in other species suggesting AP antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits, such effects were not evident in pigs under the conditions tested. Nonetheless, the absence of adverse effects on intestinal and systemic health supports the nutritional viability of AP as a complete replacement for soybean meal. These findings highlight its potential as a sustainable and safe protein source in swine production without compromising physiological status or gut health.

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